Try these at Home Remedies to Relieve the Discomfort of a Bartholin Cyst
When it comes to certain conditions, it is often possible to provide yourself with at-home care, whether to treat an illness or injury or even just to alleviate symptoms until you are able to get an appointment with your doctor. While this does not apply to every single malady, there are some – provided they are not life-threatening or showing signs of infection – that can be taken care of at home to provide you with some relief.
A Bartholin Cyst may be a problematic concern, but it is a common one, and many women find themselves facing cysts at some point in their lives. While it is always important to have any medical condition diagnosed and treated by a doctor, there are things that you can do to help relieve comfort while you wait for your appointment.
What is a Bartholion Cyst?
A Bartholin Cyst is simply a cyst that has formed in the Bartholin glands around the opening of the vagina. The Bartholin glands are located on either side of the vaginal opening and are responsible for providing lubrication to the vagina. Unfortunately, cysts can form in the Bartholin glands when fluid backs up and becomes trapped in the glands. This causes a small lump or cyst that can be painful to the touch. When this happens, you may notice discomforts, such as pain, itching, discharge, swelling, and redness. If left untreated, it can progress to an infection or present complications. If you think you have a Bartholin cyst, it is important to seek medical care. However, many women have these cysts and are not even aware of them because they have no symptoms at all.
Are Bartholin Cysts Common?
Bartholin cysts are actually quite common, and many women find they have them at some point in their lives. Some women find they have Bartholin cysts even though they didn’t have any symptoms. However, it is also common to have symptoms with these cysts.
How Are Bartholin Cysts Treated?
Bartholin cysts are often treated with procedures such as CO2 ablation. This procedure uses a state-of-the-art CO2 laser to make small incisions in the cyst, which is then drained and removed from the body. It can help to treat recurring cysts and is a great alternative to other treatment methods, such as lengthy surgical procedures, especially if this is the first cyst a patient has.
For severe Bartholin cysts, you should seek medical care, but there are things that you can do while you wait.
Bartholin cysts can be treated at home with at-home remedies to help relieve any symptoms that these cysts can be causing.
Over-The-Counter Medications
If you are experiencing pain or swelling in the area due to the presence of a cyst, it is often recommended to try taking some over-the-counter medications, such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. These two medications can reduce swelling, relieve pain, and help reduce fever in case of infections. When taking these medications, always be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.
Cold Compresses
Using a cold compress can help alleviate any discomfort or itching, especially if the area is inflamed and painful. These compresses, such as ice bags or gel packs wrapped in cloth, can be extremely helpful when dealing with an infected area and can help reduce swelling in the vaginal area, too.
Sitz Bath
A sitz bath is one of the most used at-home remedies for a Bartholin cyst. This is done by filling a bath with only a few inches of water and soaking the area for a few minutes several times daily. These baths can help reduce the swelling, as well as keep the area clean. It is important to note that these baths should not contain any kind of soap or baking soda unless instructed by a physician as part of your treatment. Sitz baths are also commonly used after the surgical removal of a Bartholin cyst, as well as part of the recovery.
If you would like to learn more about Bartholin cysts, or you feel you may have a cyst and would like to see a doctor for a diagnosis, call the office of Dr. Ghozland today at 310-393-9359, and we will be happy to help you!